Cricket

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli extended a heartwarming gesture to Bangladesh's retiring all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan after India's 2-0 Test series sweep in Kanpur on October 1, 2024. Shakib, who played his last overseas Test in Kanpur, has expressed concerns about his ability to leave Bangladesh for the upcoming home series against South Africa due to ongoing legal issues.After the second Test concluded with India's seven-wicket victory, Kohli approached the Bangladesh team and presented Shakib with a signed bat. The duo exchanged pleasantries and shared a laugh as Shakib playfully swung the willow. Shakib is a popular figure in India, having played 71 IPL matches for Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad.However, Shakib's career has been marred by a murder charge stemming from the civil unrest that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shakib was a member of parliament from Hasina's Awami League party. The current regime in Bangladesh has expressed reluctance to grant Shakib a farewell, with Bangladesh Cricket Board president Farukh Ahmed stating that his organization is not a security agency.Given these circumstances, Kanpur could potentially be Shakib's final Test match. He is expected to retire from international cricket after the Champions Trophy next year. Currently residing in the United States, Shakib's future in Bangladesh remains uncertain.

Rohit Sharma's transformation from an ordinary ODI batter to one of the greatest ODI openers of all time is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After a slow start to his ODI career, Sharma's fortunes changed dramatically in 2013 when he was promoted to the opening slot. Since then, he has amassed over 8800 runs in ODIs, including 29 centuries and 44 fifties, at an astonishing average of 56.45 and strike rate of 96.29.However, Sharma's Test career was a different story. Despite a promising start with two centuries in his first two Tests, he struggled to live up to expectations and his future in red-ball cricket seemed uncertain. His numbers in 27 Tests were below par, with an average of 39.6 and only three centuries.In 2019, Sharma's Test career took a dramatic turn when he was promoted to open the innings against South Africa in Vizag. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands, smashing two centuries in the match and becoming only the sixth Indian to achieve this feat. Since then, Sharma has emerged as a genuine match-winner for India at the top of the order.In 34 Tests as an opener, Sharma has scored 2563 runs at an average of 48.35, including nine centuries and seven fifties. His strike rate of 65.16 at home showcases his aggressive mindset and ability to take the shine off the new ball.Sharma's overseas performances have also improved significantly since he became an opener. In 12 Tests outside India, he has an aggregate of 919 runs at an average of 43.76, with two centuries and five fifties. His century at The Oval in 2021 helped India draw the series against England, while his 127 against the West Indies in Roseau was a major contributing factor in India's victory.Sharma's rise to the top of the Test batting rankings is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has overcome adversity and proved his critics wrong. Today, he is one of the most feared batsmen in the world and a key player for India in all formats of the game.

India's Test captain Rohit Sharma has shed light on the team's transition under new head coach Gautam Gambhir and the aggressive tactics employed in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur.After Rahul Dravid's successful tenure, which culminated in India's T20 World Cup triumph, Gambhir took over the reins. Rohit believes it has been a positive start despite mixed results across formats. "We had a fantastic time with Rahul Bhai, but life moves on. Gautam Gambhir brings a different mindset. It's been a good start," he said.In the rain-affected Test, India's unexpected attacking approach on Day 4 left Bangladesh bewildered. A total of 437 runs were scored and 18 wickets fell in 85 overs, setting up an exciting final day.Rohit explained the rationale behind their aggressive declaration on 285/9. "We wanted to get them out quickly and see what we could do with the bat. The pitch didn't have much. To make a game out of it was a superb effort," he said.Despite the risk of being bowled out cheaply, India was prepared to take it. "We were ready for it even if we got bowled out for 100-150," Rohit added.One of the standout performers for India was Akash Deep, who impressed with his swing bowling. He finished the series with five wickets, providing a valuable option for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia."He's been good. He has the quality and the skill. Good body as well. He can bowl long spells," Rohit said.India ultimately emerged victorious by 7 wickets, securing a 2-0 series win. The match showcased the team's resilience and adaptability under Gambhir's leadership.

The Indian cricket team displayed unwavering determination in the second Test against Bangladesh, overcoming significant weather disruptions to emerge victorious. Despite losing over two and a half days to rain and a wet outfield, Rohit Sharma's men refused to settle for a draw and instead opted for an aggressive approach.After bowling out Bangladesh on Day 4, India's batting lineup, led by Rohit Sharma, launched an all-out assault on the Green Park Stadium. KL Rahul later revealed that Rohit's clear message to the team was to "find a way to play for the win."Inspired by their captain's words, India set a blistering pace, breaking records for the fastest team 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250. Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal also etched their names in history by registering the fastest 50-run partnership in Test history."The message was very clear from the start," said Rahul. "We lost a couple of days due to rain, but we wanted to see what we could do in the time that was left. The plan was simple: find a way to play for the win."India's attacking intent continued in the second innings, with Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja claiming three wickets each to dismiss Bangladesh for 146. Despite the weather setbacks, India had put themselves in a commanding position, needing just 95 runs to seal the series 2-0.The hosts eventually secured a seven-wicket victory, further bolstering their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final. India's resilience and determination in the face of adversity showcased their unwavering commitment to success.

India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the second Test in Kanpur has propelled them towards a third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final appearance. The comprehensive 7-wicket triumph has solidified India's position at the summit of the WTC standings, with 98 points from 11 matches.Despite the weather interruptions that marred the first three days of the Test, India showcased their resilience and adaptability. The team's all-round performance was a testament to their depth and quality.India's bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh batting lineup, dismissing them for 227 and 173. The spinners accounted for 17 of the 20 wickets to fall in the match.The Indian batsmen, too, played their part, with Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara scoring half-centuries in the first innings. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer then guided India to victory in the second innings, with unbeaten knocks of 59 and 29, respectively.The win has extended India's lead at the top of the WTC standings, with a points percentage of 74.24. They are now overwhelming favorites to qualify for the final, which will be held at Lord's in June 2025.India's next assignment in the WTC is a three-Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 16 in Bengaluru. A 3-0 sweep against the Black Caps would guarantee India a place in the final.However, if India fails to whitewash New Zealand, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia will become even more crucial. Australia, currently second in the WTC standings, could overtake India with a series win.The upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia will be pivotal in determining India's fate in the WTC. With their current form and depth, India is well-positioned to secure a third consecutive appearance in the final.

The Indian cricket team showcased an exceptional batting performance on Day 4 of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, breaking five records and establishing a commanding lead. Led by captain Rohit Sharma, the Indian batters dominated the proceedings, with several notable contributions.Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal all played quickfire knocks, setting the tone for India's aggressive approach. However, it was pacer Akash Deep who stole the spotlight with his audacious sixes off Shakib Al Hasan's bowling. Using the bat gifted to him by Virat Kohli, Deep smashed two consecutive sixes, sending the Indian dressing room into a frenzy.Star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin then took control of the Bangladesh innings, claiming two quick wickets to reduce the visitors to 26 for two. Ashwin's two-wicket haul (2/14) gave India complete command of the rain-hit Test match.Earlier, aggressive fifties by Yashasvi Jaiswal (71 off 52 balls) and KL Rahul (68 off 43 balls) had placed India in a strong position. The duo helped India declare their first innings at 285 for nine, securing a lead of 52 runs. Virat Kohli also contributed with a fluent 47 off 35 balls.For Bangladesh, veteran left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan picked up four wickets (4/78), while off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed four wickets (4/41) to restrict India's free-flowing batters.

India Clinches Victory as Bumrah's Cunning Dismissal Seals Bangladesh's FateIn a thrilling encounter at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi, India emerged victorious over Bangladesh, securing a 95-run target with ease. The match reached its climax in the first session, as Bangladesh fought valiantly with Mushfiqur Rahim leading the resistance.With Bangladesh on the brink of defeat at 130/9, India's captain Rohit Sharma introduced Ravichandran Ashwin into the attack. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja combined their experience, but Rahim remained unyielding.As the clock ticked down, Rohit brought back Jasprit Bumrah, hoping to break the deadlock. Bumrah's initial deliveries were met with resilience from Khaled Ahmed, who even managed to hit a boundary.However, on the penultimate delivery before lunch, Bumrah unleashed a cunning slow off-cutter. Rahim, attempting a big shot, was deceived by the pace and the ball crashed into his middle stump.Bumrah's brilliance secured India's victory, with Bangladesh all out for 146 on the last ball before lunch. India's chase of 95 runs proved to be a formality, as they cruised to victory.The Indian cricket board (BCCI) celebrated the dismissal on their official Twitter handle, showcasing Bumrah's exceptional skill and the team's determination.

India's relentless bowling attack, led by Ravindra Jadeja's triple-strike, dismantled Bangladesh's batting lineup on the final day of the second Test in Dhaka, setting the hosts a modest target of 95 runs to secure victory.Resuming on 26 for 2, Bangladesh's hopes rested on the shoulders of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shadman Islam, who had forged a stubborn 55-run partnership. However, Jadeja's introduction proved decisive, as he dismissed Shanto with his second ball, breaking the crucial stand.Akash Deep then removed the well-set Shadman, caught at gully, before Jadeja sent back Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan cheaply, reducing Bangladesh to 94 for 7. The pressure mounted on the visitors, as Jadeja and Ashwin's tight and skiddy bowling proved too much to handle.Earlier, Ashwin had struck early, dismissing Mominul Haque for 2, while Bumrah and Ashwin kept Shanto and Shadman in check. However, Shadman's confident strokeplay against Ashwin gave Bangladesh the lead, but his dismissal by Akash Deep triggered a collapse.Jadeja's triple-strike in quick succession left Bangladesh reeling, and Bumrah's return to the attack wiped out the tail. Mushfiqur Rahim delayed the inevitable, but Bumrah's beauty left Mehidy Hasan Miraz late for an edge, and the visitors were all out for 146.India's bowlers shared the spoils, with Jadeja, Ashwin, and Bumrah claiming three wickets each. The hosts will now look to chase down the target and secure a series victory in the second Test.

Virat Kohli's fiery aggression has been a defining characteristic of his illustrious career, particularly in the intense rivalry between India and Australia. His confrontational nature, coupled with his exceptional batting prowess, has elevated the India-Australia rivalry to new heights.Kohli's aggression manifests both on and off the field. He has engaged in verbal spats with Australian players like Mitchell Johnson, Tim Paine, and others. His combative attitude has set the tone for many India-Australia series, where both sides engage in fierce mental and physical battles.During the 2014 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, Kohli had several heated exchanges with Johnson and Australian fielders. He stood his ground, responding to sledging with aggressive batting and words. The series marked the peak of the Kohli-Johnson rivalry, where tempers flared between the two.Kohli was in exceptional form, scoring multiple centuries. Johnson, one of the most aggressive fast bowlers, tried to unsettle Kohli with his pace and verbal aggression. During the third Test in Melbourne, Johnson's throw hit Kohli on the body, sparking a heated exchange.Kohli responded with a magnificent 169, leading the Boxing Day Test to a draw. Johnson, known for his hostility, often bowled aggressive short-pitched deliveries aimed at Kohli. However, Kohli thrived under pressure, countering Johnson's bowling with attacking strokes and engaging in verbal battles.Kohli consistently dominated Johnson with the bat, particularly in the 2014 series, where he amassed over 600 runs, including four centuries. His confidence and fearlessness made the rivalry even more intense, as Kohli often gave it back verbally to Johnson.The Kohli vs Johnson rivalry is remembered for its sheer intensity, with both players being highly competitive. It encapsulates the classic India-Australia cricketing rivalry, where both nations bring out their best and play with aggression.Kohli's aggression has elevated the intensity of the India-Australia rivalry, bringing out the best in both teams. His confrontational approach, combined with his match-winning abilities, has made him a central figure in this modern-day rivalry. Kohli's presence and leadership made India believe they could beat Australia in any condition, be it home or away.Kohli's confrontations with Australian players, captains, and even the media added drama and spice to every series, making Kohli vs Australia one of the most compelling narratives in cricket.